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Record number of blood tests

Many other screenings available

By Dan Barker

Times News Editor

Posted:
02/17/2014 10:32:56 AM MST

Click photo to enlarge

Connie Weingarten and Colorado Plains Medical Center CEO Mike Patterson race to see who can change a baby's diaper most quickly at the CPMC Birthing Center booth during the CPMC Health Fair on Saturday at the Fort Morgan High School. The diapers were soaked with water and chocolate syrup put in them to make sure that the competitors must clean the doll before putting a new diaper on.

More people had their blood drawn early for testing during the week before the Colorado Plains Medical Center Health Fair than ever before.

About 150-170 people came in to have their blood drawn each day before the fair, which was held at Fort Morgan High School Saturday, said Sandy Schneider-Engle, director of marketing.

Blood tests were done at a discount, and those who came to the fair could find out the results and have a large number of free screenings for various other aspects of their health.

They could have their body fat composition checked, have their vision checked, have a small amount of blood taken for blood sugar levels, have their reflexes checked and have their skin checked for skin cancer, among other screenings.

For example, Valley View Villa offered a posture test — using an electronic tablet camera to analyze how a person is standing — which is meant to tell people if they are shifting one way or another when they are standing, said Laurie Pate, a physical therapy and massage assistant.

There are exercises to do to realign posture, she said. Correct posture is important to keep stress off the spine

Marla Tappy, a sports medicine and orthopedic professional, was on hand to tell people about the Total Access sports medicine and physical therapy center at CPMC.

People know Total Access for its elite strength and conditioning program, which is part of the sports medicine program, but it offers fitness programs for people from children to senior citizens, she said.

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A balance of physical fitness, diet and attitude are needed for optimum health, she said.

Sometimes, attitude is the most difficult part, Tappy said, but there are a number of groups to join and finding the right group can make fitness a social occasion.

The idea is to create the right conditions for success, she said.

"We let people customize their exercise choices," Tappy said, and the program is customized to fit their individual histories.

Clients also receive counseling on diets that fit their lives, Tappy said.

It is essential for people to take charge of their health, she said.

The Hospice of Northern Colorado was asking for volunteers, which are a big part of hospice, said Registered Nurse Bobbi Naill.

Even those who do not want to deal with the difficult aspects of death and dying can make a contribution to the hospice. They can volunteer for community events, help with the peach sale fundraiser, or take phone calls.

Some may want to read to patients or write letters for them, Naill said.

A volunteer can run errands for families that are overwhelmed with their duties, or stay with a patient while family members get some respite or go to appointments, she said.

There will be a training for volunteers on March 8 at the Country Steak Out restaurant from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who are interested can call 970-867-8668 to register.

But not everything was serious.

The CPMC Birthing Center had a diaper changing contest in which disposable diapers were soaked with water and had chocolate syrup sprayed on them. Contestants had to clean a doll up and change the diaper, and it was a pretty realistic scenario.

Even serious subjects could be done in fun ways.

A driving simulator was set up to show what it is like to drive while texting or while affected by alcohol, said Dr. William Sammond of the University of Colorado health program..

The simulator does not end when an accident happens. It takes the player through jail and the court system, and trying to find jobs after convicted of a felony, he said.

"They would rather have that happen on a simulator than in real life," said Diane Forrest, physician relations manager.

Some booths related to the kinds of help people could receive.

Northeast Colorado Area Agency on Aging personnel were on hand to talk about the meet and eat program, the homemaker program that helps people to care for their homes and the caregiver program that helps caregivers to take some much-needed time off from caring duties. These help people stay at home, rather than in a nursing home.

The Agency on Aging can also help with its legal service, answer people's questions about nursing homes and Medicare.

It also helps teach people how to avoid falling, which can be hard on senior citizens.

Everyone's balance erodes over time, but falls can be prevented, their information says.

Regular physical activity can improve balance and coordination.

Some medications or combination of medications can cause dizziness or make people sleepy, so it is important to review all medications with a physician.

Removing obstacles like cords, shoes, books or papers on the floor. People are advised to move furniture to allow easy passage around the home, and remove slippery throw rugs or replace them with rubber-backed rugs.

Keep objects off stairs and make sure carpeting on stairs is firmly attached to each step. Be sure to have an overhead light at the top and bottom of the stairs. And tighten loose rails.

Keep things that are regularly needed on lower shelves, and never use a chair to get to higher objects.

Put non-slip mats or self-stick strips to the bottom of the tub or shower. Install sturdy grab bars for tub, shower and toilet.

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